Science Museum Kensington London

UK Museums: Science Museum, London

Science Museum, Kensington, London

The Science Museum in London is a huge, free to enter, museum devoted to science and technology suitable for all members of the family.

It is visited by more than 3 million people a year, making it the most-visited science museum in Europe.

Though located in an early 20th century building, the interior is sleek and modern. It is located on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, just a stone's throw from both the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

The Science Museum is one of the five museums in the Science Museum Group that also includes the Science & Industry Museum in Manchester and the National Railway Museum in York. The other two museums in the group are the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford and the National Railway Museum, Locomotion in Shildon, Durham.

Science Museum, London. — The exterior of the Science Museum in London

History

The Science Museum began life as a series of different collections of science and technology based objects. These exhibits were first housed in what was known as the South Kensington Museum. This collection was later split into two museums, the Victoria & Albert, and the Science Museum.

The Science Museum in London is bright and spacious. — The Science Museum in London is bright and spacious

Collections

The museum now houses more than 300,000 objects and is organized into a series of themed halls and galleries spread over 7 floors.

Most visitors will enter through the Energy Hall with its original steam engines and history of Britain's Industrial Revolution.

Exploring Space looks at the history of space exploration and includes the Apollo 10 command modules. All branches of science are covered, including medicine, earth sciences and of course mathematics.

The Clockmakers Gallery includes the world's oldest clock and watch museum. As well as historical exhibits the museum focuses very much on the world we live in today and shows the development of everyday objects in our homes and the food we eat, as well as communications and information technology, transport and flight etc.

The very latest technologies are used to make many exhibits interactive, and Wonderlab: the Equinor Gallery is packed with ways for kids to explore basic science concepts. The gallery also puts on shows, demonstrations, and experiments.

Exhibit at the Science Museum. — Exhibit at the Science Museum

As well as the past and the present, the future is very much in evidence with exhibitions on themes such as climate change and the environment.

Throughout the year at various times special, temporary exhibitions are put on and these may incur an entry fee as well as the museum's two theatres, one an IMAX.

Special events including talks, lectures, films, demonstrations etc are held continually. Consult the museum's website for up-to-date details and how to book.

A huge model of Watson & Cricks DNA double helix above the escalator in the Science Museum. — A huge model of Watson & Cricks DNA double helix above the escalator in the Science Museum

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Looking up at the ceiling of the main building of the Science Museum, built in 1909. — Looking up at the ceiling of the main building of the Science Museum, built in 1909

Cafes

The Science Museum has a large shop selling a massive selection of science based toys and products.

There is also a picnic area as well as several cafes and a "shake bar".

One of the cafes at the Science Museum looks more like a laboratory. — One of the cafes at the Science Museum looks more like a laboratory

Access - Getting to the Science Museum

Exhibition Road
South Kensington
London SW7 2DD
Tel: 330 058 0058
www: sciencemuseum.org.uk

Hours: Open 10 am to 6 pm. During school holidays the museum is open 10 am 6 pm, seven days a week.

At other times the museum is closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Also closed 24-26 December.

Entry is free but there may be charges for temporary and special exhibitions.

Covid Info: The museum is open, but some sections of the museum are closed to ensure safe social-distancing. Visitor numbers are limited so a booking system is in use, please see the museum website above for details.

The nearest underground stations to the Science Museum are South Kensington a 5 minute walk via a pedestrian subway and Gloucester Road (a 15 minute walk) on the District, Piccadilly and Circle lines.

Many London buses pass near the museum including numbers #14, #49, #70, #74, #345, #360, #414, #430 and #C1.

Other places nearby in this area of London include the London Oratory, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.